Esther Kwon

Esther Kwon is a Korean-American double bassist from Tacoma, Washington, and is currently a fellow at the New World Symphony. A passionate orchestral musician, she has performed at prestigious venues around the world, including the Elbphilharmonie, Benaroya Hall, and the National Concert Hall. Recent highlights include sharing the stage with renowned artists such as Lang Lang, Augustin Hadelich, and John Adams. She has also participated in interdisciplinary collaborations involving ballet, popular music, and illustration, exploring connections between classical music and other art forms.

Esther has performed chamber music through the Camphill Village Kimberton Hills chamber music residency program, where she received coaching from Paul Watkins and Steven Tenenbom. She has also attended festivals including the Bowdoin International Music Festival, Festival Napa Valley, Taipei Music Academy and Festival, and the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival.

Coming from a musical family, Esther also assists her parents in teaching beginner group instrumental classes. She remains active in the Korean-American arts community in the Pacific Northwest, performing in recitals, choral concerts, and regional orchestras.

Esther earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Cincinnati after transferring from the University of Washington. She holds dual degrees in music and psychology, reflecting her interest in intellectual disabilities and the human mind. She completed her Master of Music degree at the Yale School of Music, where she studied with Donald Palma.